Menu

Essential Maintenance for the 21st Century Gas Station

There is fierce competition in the gas station marketplace. For stations in high traffic areas, there may be four, five, or even more stations in close proximity to each other that are in direct competition. More remote stations do not have it any easier. Increases in vehicle energy efficiency in recent years allow drivers to go farther without filling up, meaning that it is no longer as urgent to stop at “the last gas station for 50 miles.”

With so many stations competing for a limited number of drivers, there is no excuse for running a shabby looking operation. Consumers have choices, and if they do not feel like your station meets their standards, they will simply go across the street or down the road. That is why it is so important for all gas stations, of all sizes and in every area, to stay on top of routine maintenance tasks like these.

Clean Bathrooms

No one wants to use a dirty bathroom, and when drivers come across one, they are much less likely to buy food, drinks and other items from a convenience store. Make sure that your bathrooms are clean, stocked with paper towels and toilet paper, and well lit. Dedicate an employee to check the state of the bathrooms at least once an hour.

Well Kept Stores

Gas stations are high traffic locations, and they can quickly get dirty and disorganized. Be sure that spills are cleaned up immediately, surfaces are wiped down regularly, and shelves are kept tidy, stocked, and organized. When rain or snow hits, put out mats so that customers do not track water through the store and create slippery surfaces. Appliances like refrigerators, soda fountains, and hot dog rollers also need to be kept clean and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Working Pumps

There is nothing more frustrating than pulling up to a gas pump, getting out of the car, and discovering that the pump doesn’t work. Pump break downs are inevitable, but make sure that they are fixed as quickly and competently as possible. It is also important to check that pumps distribute gas quickly, that credit card readers work, and that towels and windshield washer fluids are stocked up. Periodically, take the time to clean oil and other fluids off the pavement of your gas station.

Appealing Signage

Your sign is the the first thing that customers see, and they will draw conclusions about your entire operation based on the way that it looks. Make sure that your sign displays the correct prices, looks clean and maintained, and reflects the image of your station. If a sign is extremely old or has lost its utility, consider updating it. With this and all the other maintenance at your station, determine when something is simply dirty, and when it is worn out and in need of replacement.

Create a morning, midday, and closing checklist of all the daily maintenance tasks that need to get done. Approaching this project in a systematic way ensures that nothing gets overlooked. Plus, performing simple maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs down the road. Make cleanliness and functionality a priority at your station, and your customers will thank you for it.